Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty seafood casserole creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender seafood in every bite. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner party dish or a simple weeknight meal, this seafood casserole recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
✔ The best seafood combinations for maximum flavor
✔ Step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time
✔ Expert tips to customize your casserole
✔ Serving suggestions and storage tips
Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing seafood casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Casserole
1. Rich & Creamy Texture
A luscious cheesy, garlicky cream sauce coats every piece of seafood, while a golden, buttery topping adds the perfect crunch.
2. Versatile & Customizable
Use shrimp, crab, lobster, or a mix whatever seafood you prefer!
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
Great for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
4. Easy to Make Ahead
Assemble it in advance and bake when ready ideal for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8)
For the Seafood Mix:
- 🍤 Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled & deveined
- 🦀 Lump Crab Meat (or imitation): 1 lb
- 🐚 Scallops (optional): 1 cup
- 🦞 Cooked Lobster Meat (optional): 1 cup
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 🧈 Butter: 4 tbsp
- 🧄 Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- 🌾 All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup
- 🥛 Whole Milk (or half-and-half): 2 cups
- 🍲 Chicken or Seafood Broth: 1 cup
- 🧀 Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
- 🧀 Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
- 🌶️ Old Bay Seasoning: 1 tsp
- 🌶️ Paprika: ½ tsp
- 🧂 Salt & Pepper: to taste
For the Topping:
- 🍞 Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- 🧈 Melted Butter: ¼ cup
- 🌿 Chopped Parsley: 2 tbsp
- 🧄 Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Seafood
- If using raw shrimp or scallops, sauté in butter for 2-3 minutes until just cooked.
- Drain crab meat and check for shells.
2. Make the Cream Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux (cook for 1 minute).
- Slowly pour in milk and broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Old Bay, and paprika until smooth.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, combine seafood and sauce.
- Mix panko, melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder for the topping.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Casserole
✅ Use high-quality seafood – Fresh or frozen (thawed) works, but avoid overcooking.
✅ Make it ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; bake when ready.
✅ Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add extra flavor.
✅ Swap cheeses – Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different twist.
✅ For a lighter version – Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Pairings
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Steamed rice or buttered noodles
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
2. Elegant Dinner Idea
Serve with:
- Roasted asparagus
- White wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
3. Kid-Friendly Option
- Mix in elbow pasta for a seafood mac & cheese twist!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerating:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze before baking (without topping) for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight, add topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating:
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs About Seafood Casserole
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for crab?
Try lobster, scallops, or flaky white fish like cod.
How do I prevent a soggy topping?
- Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling.
- Broil briefly at the end for extra crunch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts
This creamy, cheesy seafood casserole is the ultimate comfort food—luxurious enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknights. With its perfect balance of tender seafood, rich sauce, and crispy topping, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🦞🧀
